Gianfranco Alessandria – Barolo 2020
Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this Barolo captures the essence of Piedmont’s most noble grape. The 2020 vintage is still youthful, showing its classic austerity and perfume while beginning the long climb toward its prime. (Educational note: Nebbiolo is famous for combining delicate floral aromatics with firm tannins and vibrant acidity, giving Barolo its legendary aging potential.)
Aromas & Flavors
Roses and violets open gracefully, followed by tart red cherry, cranberry, and dried strawberry. Nuances of anise, tar, and subtle spice emerge with air, promising further complexity as the wine matures.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied but firmly structured, with gripping tannins and racing acidity. The tart fruit and floral notes ride on a backbone of minerality, finishing long and tightly wound — signaling a wine built for age.
Food Pairings
Perfect with rich northern Italian cuisine: truffle risotto, braised beef (Brasato al Barolo), or wild mushroom tagliatelle. Also shines with aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
Verdict
A beautiful, youthful Barolo — tart, floral, and nervy, with cherry fruit and soaring acidity. Still climbing toward its peak, but already showing elegance and grace. A wine for patient cellaring, yet utterly captivating today. 🍷
Did You Know?
Barolo is often called “the king of wines and the wine of kings.” Its Nebbiolo grape name comes from nebbia (fog), referencing the autumn mists that blanket Piedmont’s vineyards during harvest.
Hidden Gem 💎
Gianfranco Alessandria is a boutique Barolo producer, crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines that fly under the radar compared to larger names — a true gem for collectors and explorers. — 9 months ago
The Kings Man movie nite — 4 years ago
2016 Bacchus - Multi-clonal blend, more exuberant on the nose, classic Pinot aroma. More polished on the palate - ready to go. — 5 years ago
Fruity but still dry but not drying. — 6 years ago
Trader Joes — 6 years ago
Smooth and light. Excellent — 7 months ago
2013 vintage. Decanted and tasted immediately and after 30 mins. Reticent nose. Medium-heavy body. Massive flavors and structure. Wouldn’t open it any time soon. Phenomenal now but so so intense. If you can Potsie it for a decade plus, do so. Another reminder as to why Barolo is the wine of kings. 11.01.24. — 2 years ago

My new find. Really enjoying the burg GC’s at the moment. No need to spend a kings ransom for excellence, either.
Refer to my prior notes. — 4 years ago
Deep garnet. Oak and dark fruit on the nose. Hour decant and still a bit tight but yet still very smooth and well structured. Red and black fruit. Tannins silky smooth with nice long finish. Beautiful wine! After another hour this wine was hitting its stride! So good!! — 4 years ago
Working my way through 2009-2015 and the 2011 is bold juicy and ready. Good for kings day pasta in the countryside xxx — 5 years ago
Light on tannins, very soft — 8 months ago
A sweet dark fruit (blackberry and plum), vanilla & chocolate. — 2 years ago
With za'atar scallops on tabbouleh with dill yogurt sauce,, subzero chef demo dinner — 2 years ago
2014 Clone 13 - This one is ready, probably still on the upswing for 3-5 more years. Pronounced acidity, starting to feel Burgundian. — 5 years ago
Joe Flo
What can I say it’s a Carter — 6 months ago